Your airfryer may seem like a simple appliance, and in many ways it is. But there are still a few things you’d better pay attention to.
An airfryer is an indispensable gadget in the kitchen. You cook faster and healthier with it, plus it makes for less mess. Some models are even so compact that you can easily take them with you when you travel. You would think that little can go wrong?
Yet many people unknowingly make mistakes that make their dishes less tasty or can even damage the gadget. Want to get the most out of your airfryer? Then avoid these nine common mistakes!
Common mistakes made by airfryer users
These are mistakes you don’t want to make if you own an Airfryer.
#1 You underestimate your airfryer
Many people only use their airfryer for fries and chicken nuggets. But did you know you can do much more with it? Think of roasting vegetables, frying steak, making pies or even roasting a whole chicken. Think of your airfryer as a little hot air oven and experiment.
#2 You waste time preheating
Many recipes say you need to preheat the airfryer, but in most cases it’s not necessary at all. According to expert Cathy Yoder, it saves at most a few minutes. So unless you are preparing something that will be ready in a few minutes, feel free to skip this step.
#3 You use non-stick spray
It may seem convenient to spray your airfryer with non-stick spray, but that can damage the non-stick coating. Plus, it often contains unhealthy additives that you don’t want to ingest. Still want a thin layer of oil? Then use a reusable oil spray with avocado oil, for example.
#4 You use too much oil
An airfryer is designed precisely for cooking with less oil. Some vegetables need a little oil, but many foods (like meat) already contain enough fat. So use oil sparingly, or you’ll end up with greasy rather than crispy results.
Be careful with oil (Image: Unsplash)
#5 Or just too little oil
Too little oil can cause your food to dry out or cook unevenly. And if you use oil, choose a kind with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil. Olive oil can burn and give a bitter taste at high temperatures.
#6 You cram the airfryer too full
The secret to crispy results is air circulation. If you fill the airfryer to the brim, your food will not receive even heat and will be steamed rather than fried. Therefore, make sure there is enough space between ingredients, or cook in multiple portions.
#7 You forget to shake or swirl your food
An airfryer is not a “set it and forget it” appliance. Shaking or turning your food halfway through the baking time will ensure even cooking and a nice crispy result. This is especially true for fries, nuggets and vegetables.
#8 You don’t clean your airfryer properly
Many airfryers have removable parts that can go in the dishwasher, but don’t forget about the inside of the gadget itself. The heating elements in particular can get greasy and cause smoke or unpleasant odors. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use will keep your airfryer fresh and clean.
